Naveen to Raise Polavaram, SCS Status with Modi

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will raise the issue of Polavaram multi-purpose project, which is opposed by Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at New Delhi.

Official sources said during his week-long stay in the national capital, Naveen will also press for special category state (SCS) status to Odisha and other issues which the BJD has promised in its election manifesto.

The Chief Minister on Friday reviewed the issues which he would take up with the Prime Minister and Union ministers. The review covered various issues relating to different ministries including finance, home, railways, transport, urban development and rural development.

Naveen is likely to meet Modi on Monday along with all BJD members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to discuss crucial matters of the State.

Odisha has been opposing the Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation project as it threatens to submerge 130-odd villages in Malkangiri district and has moved the Supreme Court in this regard.

This is the first visit of Naveen to Delhi after taking charge as Chief Minister of Odisha for the fourth consecutive term. Naveen had stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony of Modi on May 26 as it coincided with the election of Speaker of the Odisha Assembly.

Naveen is also scheduled to attend the BJD Parliamentary Party meeting to be held at Delhi before the Parliament session begins on June 4.

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